The East German SPD state associations want to see Saxony's Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping as the party's deputy federal chairwoman. The Saxon SPD in Dresden announced a proposal to this effect.
The 66-year-old Köpping - deputy to head of government Michael Kretschmer (CDU) in the Saxon cabinet - expressed her gratitude for the vote of confidence. "The SPD leadership needs a strong East German voice. I would very much like to be that voice - with humility and great respect."
Köpping wants to be the voice of the East
Köpping says she wants to contribute her political experience. She previously served as mayor and district administrator, among other things. "I want to help strengthen and reposition our proud SPD once again. It's no secret that the people here in the east are particularly close to my heart. I want to be their voice in the SPD. Because that is more necessary than ever right now." Köpping was also temporarily under discussion as a minister in the federal cabinet.
According to the Saxon SPD leader Kathrin Michel, Köpping's biography stands for many East German life paths. "The SPD needs this voice now."
According to Michel's co-chair Henning Homann, the right balance of experience and renewal is necessary: "We support the proposal that Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas should lead the SPD together. With Petra Köpping, we are making a strong offer for the party leadership."
The committees of the SPD state associations will decide on proposals for the party executive next week. It will be elected by the delegates at the federal party conference, which will take place in Berlin from June 27 to 29, 2025.
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